Comments:

1. Things like this should have been prepared and released at the time of merger news. As it stands now, it's tantamount to " read my lips..no new taxes".
   
   People have doubts when the credibility of both managements are gone.... somewhere between " CFBE @ 4.5" and Backseat "Video in 2003".
   
   This release creates more doubt than existed. by PGET
   
2. Nice to see them trying to counteract the "Osborne Effect". I'm just hoping the post merger radios will feature Sirius' firmware. Alot slicker and somewhat nicer screens then most XM units. The user interfaces between Sirius radios are consistent as well. by LT307
   
3. Maybe I'm reading into this a little too much. but, I have to think that these press releases were worded very carefully and I find the difference in wording between Sirius and XM very interesting. For example,
   
   Sirius: "We guarantee that existing radios will not become obsolete in a post-merger world, and you'll be able to pick up a mix of programming from both services." Quoted from Sirius Merger FAQ's
   Vs
   XM: "As long as you are an XM subscriber, your XM radio will continue to receive XM's great programming. And following the merger, we expect that these existing radios will be able to receive a mix of programming from both services to bring you even more choices." Quoted from XM Promise
   My emphasis on both quotes
   
   As a Technical Writer, these two comments speak volumes. First, it shows which company is the surviving company, Sirius because they come right out and Guarantee that their radios will work post-merger. While XM only says, that they "expect" their radios to continue to work. Could also mean that the Sirius technology will be the ultimate victor (at least for the radio portion)? by srm59
   
4. srm59, you're right. The words "guarantee" and "promise" (or even "expect") don't have the same meaning. I get a better feeling from Sirius' statement than XM's. by RyanM
   
5. All this means is we will get the same Sirius service we get now + twenty XM channels tacked on if we keep our current sirius radios.
   
   If you want the Sirius+XM complete package, you will certainly be buying a new hardware device to get that. You are not going to get all of sirius+all of xm with your current hardware, so if you are big on getting the full effect, you will be buying new hardware.
   
   And all of this depends on the merger actually happening. So, maybe they should have waited to start this "campaign" after the merger went down. These companies are a bit too "Forward-looking"... by MCWHAMMER
   
6. You now how I'd like things to work?
   
   If i want to continue to pay 12.99 I continue to get all the channels I get now. If I want any of XM's exclusive stations on my sirius receiver, then those are the 'al la carte' channels they've been speaking of and vise versa for XM sub's. And who's to say it won't work exactly like that?
   
   Until video content is introduced and available, there shouldn't be a reason for new receivers. There is no reason XM couldn't broadcast their exclusive content channels like MLB through Sirius' satelittes and vise versa. I'm not speaking of the music channels, just the talk shows, sports, news etc.
   
   When i read these press releases and such, that's how I'm taking it as how things will be. Al la carte channels are just those exclusive channels. Everything else stays the same. by xPhantomx
   
7. "We signed an agreement with XM Radio to develop a unified standard for satellite radios to enable consumers to purchase one radio capable of receiving both SIRIUS’ and XM Radio’s services The technology relating to this unified standard is being developed, funded and will be owned jointly by the two companies. This unified standard is also intended to meet FCC rules that require interoperability of both licensed satellite radio systems."
   
   "We continually monitor our infrastructure and regularly evaluate improvements in technology. For example, a technology known as hierarchical modulation will allow us to offer additional audio channels, as well as advanced services such as data and video, without noticeably affecting our broadcasts. We expect to begin offering services using this technology in 2007. This increase in network capacity will be available through select new SIRIUS radios and will not be available to SIRIUS radios sold prior to the implementation of this technology."
   
   Those quoted from the SEC filing. by jfranklin
   
8. JFranklin, you seem to have a talent for extracting the key points out of the verbosity! Nice one!! by guernica
   
9. Quote:

   Originally Posted by guernica JFranklin, you seem to have a talent for extracting the key points out of the verbosity! Nice one!!

   I just have a laptop, WiFi, and no life...
   
   Oh I almost forgot, and a Stiletto... by jfranklin
   
10. Quote:

    Originally Posted by RyanM Sirius has started a campaign today as a guarantee to customers that current radios will not be obsolete post-merger. .</blockquote>

    As a dual sub, my main concern here is that, if they start cross-populating content, that we lose more bandwidth impacting music quality. Great that my radios will continue to work ... but how will the music sound? While it may save me subscription prices in the long run (perhaps no need for dual subs) I originally purchased Satellite Radio for the sound quality (which has decreased over time).
    
    I guess time will tell ... by Tlott
    
11. Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tlott As a dual sub, my main concern here is that, if they start cross-populating content, that we lose more bandwidth impacting music quality. Great that my radios will continue to work ... but how will the music sound? While it may save me subscription prices in the long run (perhaps no need for dual subs) I originally purchased Satellite Radio for the sound quality (which has decreased over time). I guess time will tell ...

    Back in the day, when satellite radio all started, The FCC allocated a frequency range just for satellite radio, then they split that in half so there could be competition. American Mobile Radio (Now known as XM) got half, then CD Radio (now known as Sirius) got half.
    
    What happens now that these two companies decide to merge? The whole reason the FCC split the satellite radio bands in half is so there could be 2 companies for competition (and a few other financial and technological reasons).
    
    Does the FCC take away one providers frequency range now?
    
    I believe (don't hold me to this) Sirius can have up to 200 channels and XM can have up to 200 channels. Sirius has their weather and marine and is now starting their video service, are these services in that same frequency range?
    
    Logically the FCC would take away one company's frequency range because these 2 are now 1. by jfranklin
    
12. wording is everything and I agree it speaks volumes about which company is the winner in this deal.
    But like all words in writing or oral they are only as good as the one who speaks/writes them... by fozzyd
    
13. "Customers concerns about increased subscription rates were also addressed by stating that your current subscription rates will be honored after the merger."
    
    
    This speaks volumes a well. All it says is that your CURRENT subscription (month, year or your soon-to-be obosolete radio's lifetime) is guaranteed to stay the same, not future subscription renewal. by flowerfeeder
    
14. There's been constant threads about the "impending price hike" for a year or more before the merger was even rumored. If anything, the merger will keep the price fixed longer than it will stay that way without it. by TheScionicMan
    
15. Quote:

    Originally Posted by RyanM Here are a few key lines from the XM open-letter. <blockquote>As long as you are an XM subscriber, your XM radio will continue to eceive XM's great programming. Following the merger, XM expects that theexistingradios will be able to receive a mix of programming from both ervices. XM's programming, including Major League aseball, Oprah &amp; Friends, Bob Dylan, Opie &amp; Anthony and commercial-free usicchannelswill not be interrupted by the merger. In the future, we will be able to offer the best of both companies' programming.</blockquote>

    I know it was probably a 'cut n paste' mishap, but I found it ironic that within the XM message certain key letters were cut off of the message.
    Who wants usic channels that feature Major League aseball? A sign of things to come for XM? I think so. by packie juppet
    
16. Quote:

    Originally Posted by MCWHAMMER All this means is we will get the same Sirius service we get now + twenty XM channels tacked on if we keep our current sirius radios. If you want the Sirius+XM complete package, you will certainly be buying a new hardware device to get that. You are not going to get all of sirius+all of xm with your current hardware, so if you are big on getting the full effect, you will be buying new hardware. And all of this depends on the merger actually happening. So, maybe they should have waited to start this "campaign" after the merger went down. These companies are a bit too "Forward-looking"...

    They're forward looking but you know what channels of XM we'll get with out issue and which ones will require a new radio? Isnt that forward looking? by Nismo
    
17. Quote:

    Originally Posted by Nismo They're forward looking but you know what channels of XM we'll get with out issue and which ones will require a new radio? Isnt that forward looking?

    I had to reread your question about 5 times, and still don't quite understand it, but I think you are asking if I am psychic when it comes to the sirius/xm merger.
    
    You are right, you have outed me... I am not a psychic. And neither are the two companies we continue to talk about. So to forward-look is to guesstimate, and to guesstimate is to assume, and to assume is to make an as* out of u and me.
    
    Top that by MCWHAMMER
    
18. Here is a question I haven't seen yet and might only effect a few people. For dual subs will it be possible to have one account and have both a sub to XM and sub to Sirius ? I have 2 Sirius subs and one XM sub and if I could eliminate one of the Sirius subs it would be wonderful.
    
    I would much rather keep the XM for my in house listening since it gets much better reception in doors then does Sirius and would hope that on my account it could be one Sirius with the second sub being a XM and staying at the 12.95 and 6.99 dollar amounts. Sirius being my 12.95 and XM being my 6.99
    
    I guess it will all depend on how they decide to handle the content, but I have a feeling we won't be able to mix our radios and subs between the two companies on one account. by Fergz99
    
19. It could also be that they "expect" it to be that way only because that is the way they think the merger will go. If the FCC forces them to give away one frequecy and they have to choose only 1 way to broadcast, they might have already decided they would go with the Sirius standard.
    
    That having been said, I read the same thing into that word that most others have. It meas that XM radios seem to be being replaced. by roger2001
    
20. If 50% of the combined bandwidth gets taken away, then what the hell was the point of the merger?
    
    Screw XM's "content", I want their bandwidth to offer current Sirius channels at much better Sound Quality...and maybe add 10 new channels, tops.
    
    What exactly does XM have non-music wise that Sirius doesn't? Baseball? Ofrah?
    
    If you added XM programming to Sirius programming wouldn't there be about 85% redundancy?
    
    100% more bandwith, with 15% more channels? That equals better SQ! by cornflakeguy
    
21. Quote:

    Originally Posted by cornflakeguy If 50% of the combined bandwidth gets taken away, then what the hell was the point of the merger? Screw XM's "content", I want their bandwidth to offer current Sirius channels at much better Sound Quality...and maybe add 10 new channels, tops. What exactly does XM have non-music wise that Sirius doesn't? Baseball? Ofrah? If you added XM programming to Sirius programming wouldn't there be about 85% redundancy? 100% more bandwith, with 15% more channels? That equals better SQ!

    There are still a whole lot of unknowns about this merger if it goes through, but I could pretty much guarantee that they will not use the majority of the bandwidth to improve sound quality. It may get a slight boost, but if you think it will be vastly improved, you will be setting yourself up for a huge disappointment. by Fergz99
    
22. Quote:

    Sirius has started a campaign today as a guarantee to customers that current radios will not be obsolete post-merger.

    Now let me see.. My Sirius Receivers don't receive all Sirius Channels NOW
    
    Since mine won't receive all Sirius's Channels NOW Just why should I think that they will receive the new XM ones they will add after the Merger (If allowed)
    
    So I am suppose to believe that No Sirius Receivers will be obsolete... I really believe that Mine is obsolete Now.. Mel is wrong there will be Sirius Receivers that won't work as intended after the merger by Who-Me
    
23. Quote:

    Originally Posted by Who-Me Now let me see.. My Sirius Receivers don't receive all Sirius Channels NOW Since mine won't receive all Sirius's Channels NOW Just why should I think that they will receive the new XM ones they will add after the Merger (If allowed) So I am suppose to believe that No Sirius Receivers will be obsolete... I really believe that Mine is obsolete Now.. Mel is wrong there will be Sirius Receivers that won't work as intended after the merger

    What don't you get? Are you talking wifi? by Markz
    
24. [quote=cornflakeguy;708537]If 50% of the combined bandwidth gets taken away, then what the hell was the point of the merger? [quote]
    
    A company with similar costs to Sirius or XM now that has double the subscribers. by roger2001
    
25. Quote:

    Originally Posted by cornflakeguy If 50% of the combined bandwidth gets taken away, then what the hell was the point of the merger? Screw XM's "content", I want their bandwidth to offer current Sirius channels at much better Sound Quality...and maybe add 10 new channels, tops. What exactly does XM have non-music wise that Sirius doesn't? Baseball? Ofrah? If you added XM programming to Sirius programming wouldn't there be about 85% redundancy? 100% more bandwith, with 15% more channels? That equals better SQ!

    Same here, except with Sirius bandwidth providing the XM cahnnels with better SQ. by IdRatherBeSkiing
    
26. I can't receive these...They are listed on sirius.com under All Channels
    
    http://www.sirius.com/servlet/Conten...=1139320914821
    
    
    185 Canada WeatherTraffic & WeatherCanada Weather
    
    187 Info PlusInternational NewsAll News Radio
    
    188 RCI PlusInternational NewsInternational Talk
    
    192 Rock VeloursLatin/ InternationalCanadian Soft Rock
    
    193 Energie 2Latin/ InternationalPop, Rock & Urban Music by Who-Me
    
27. My OEM radio from 2003 doesn't pick up those channels. It jumps from 184, the preview channel (now known as "Traffic / Weather"), to 198, Playboy. I believe jfranklin and Who-Me are right about pre-hierarchical modulation radios being stuck with what you have. Some of the Canadian channels were added to radios with hierarchical modulation, and I'd expect any XM channels to be added in the same fashion. by RyanM
    
28. Quote:

    Originally Posted by TheScionicMan There's been constant threads about the "impending price hike" for a year or more before the merger was even rumored. If anything, the merger will keep the price fixed longer than it will stay that way without it.

    Yeah?...well, but...what about this....?
    
    http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/1725/1/ by packie juppet
    
29. Quote:

    Originally Posted by MCWHAMMER All this means is we will get the same Sirius service we get now + twenty XM channels tacked on if we keep our current sirius radios. If you want the Sirius+XM complete package, you will certainly be buying a new hardware device to get that. You are not going to get all of sirius+all of xm with your current hardware, so if you are big on getting the full effect, you will be buying new hardware. And all of this depends on the merger actually happening. So, maybe they should have waited to start this "campaign" after the merger went down. These companies are a bit too "Forward-looking"...

    
    Nah, it needed to be said now. The biggest thing that people are complaining about is the thought that they will need new hardware, especially if they just paid 300+ dollars to have it installed in their car stock. by Ryokurin
    
30. Quote:

    Originally Posted by Fergz99 There are still a whole lot of unknowns about this merger if it goes through, but I could pretty much guarantee that they will not use the majority of the bandwidth to improve sound quality. It may get a slight boost, but if you think it will be vastly improved, you will be setting yourself up for a huge disappointment.

    Hey Fergz99 I for one believe that the merger is all about improving SQ because if their wish to be in a better position to compete with ALL other media, they'd better get their act straight on the quality front.
    
    These companies have been around for 5 years now and contents, exclusivity or whatever else they tout has yet to move masses. So I would hope that a CD-Quality nation-wide service (like was originally proposed by CD-Radio back in 1997) would be more of a winner.
    
    And so I dearly hope that the 12.5 MHz bandwidth of the swallowed company doesn't get taken away. I'm a dual-sub and would expect the widest number of radios get flashed with a unified platform and to hell with channel duplication.
    
    As far as XM's claim that "radios are expected to keep working for as long as you're a subscriber", this, to me, indicates that The Company will to everything it can in the shortest amount of time possible to clean up subs on one side either by not renewing or offering deals on cheap radios that will help carry subs over to the winning platform. by pluche
    
31. Quote:

    Originally Posted by pluche Hey Fergz99 I for one believe that the merger is all about improving SQ because if their wish to be in a better position to compete with ALL other media, they'd better get their act straight on the quality front. And so I dearly hope that the 12.5 MHz bandwidth of the swallowed company doesn't get taken away. I'm a dual-sub and would expect the widest number of radios get flashed with a unified platform and to hell with channel duplication.

    Mel said at the hearings this week that if you have XM or Sirius you will continue to get all the channels you currently have as well as being able to add content from the other company. I could be wrong but it doesn't sound like they are going to combine channels.
    
    With them saying that you won't be required to get new radios it sounds like they are each keeping their bandwidth, and not merging it.
    
    Sounds like they are keeping the 2 services as is, with the ability to add a few from the other. by Fergz99
    
32. Quote:

    Originally Posted by Who-Me Now let me see.. My Sirius Receivers don't receive all Sirius Channels NOW Since mine won't receive all Sirius's Channels NOW Just why should I think that they will receive the new XM ones they will add after the Merger (If allowed) So I am suppose to believe that No Sirius Receivers will be obsolete... I really believe that Mine is obsolete Now.. Mel is wrong there will be Sirius Receivers that won't work as intended after the merger

    you made me laugh when i read your comments.....so true....but i only listen to 101...im a ferrall fan.....watch i won't be able to get that channel.... by r91
    
33. Quote:

    Originally Posted by Who-Me I can't receive these...They are listed on sirius.com under All Channels http://www.sirius.com/servlet/Conten...=1139320914821 185 Canada WeatherTraffic & WeatherCanada Weather 187 Info PlusInternational NewsAll News Radio 188 RCI PlusInternational NewsInternational Talk 192 Rock VeloursLatin/ InternationalCanadian Soft Rock 193 Energie 2Latin/ InternationalPop, Rock & Urban Music

    Teehee, I have no idea why but I have all of the above + more... I even took a picture because I am a biotch like that:
    
    
    I am a US subscriber, these channels were not on my old Sirius one. This was on my stiletto. They are not on WiFi. hehe It even say "unfo Plus" in french and everything! by jfranklin
    
34. Quote:

    Originally Posted by pluche Hey Fergz99 I for one believe that the merger is all about improving SQ because if their wish to be in a better position to compete with ALL other media, they'd better get their act straight on the quality front. These companies have been around for 5 years now and contents, exclusivity or whatever else they tout has yet to move masses. So I would hope that a CD-Quality nation-wide service (like was originally proposed by CD-Radio back in 1997) would be more of a winner. And so I dearly hope that the 12.5 MHz bandwidth of the swallowed company doesn't get taken away. I'm a dual-sub and would expect the widest number of radios get flashed with a unified platform and to hell with channel duplication. As far as XM's claim that "radios are expected to keep working for as long as you're a subscriber", this, to me, indicates that The Company will to everything it can in the shortest amount of time possible to clean up subs on one side either by not renewing or offering deals on cheap radios that will help carry subs over to the winning platform.

    Except for the S-350 and the Stilleto many radios cannot be flashed on the Sirius side. On the XM side the Inno, Nexus and Helix are the only radios capable of supporting a firmware upgrade. Even if all the radios could accept a firmware upgrade (flashed) , there are still hardware issues that may have needed modding within the radios. by norbert26
    
35. Did anyone get a full page SIRIUS ad in your Sunday paper today?
    
    First section, back page, SIRIUS had the whole page explaining some of the 'Guarantee' campaign that they have going. I'll see if I can get a scan (in 3 sections) and post it on here soon. Damn, they're going all out now. What's next, a TV spot too? by SIRIusStockFan
    
36. [quote=roger2001;708639][quote=cornflakeguy;708537]If 50% of the combined bandwidth gets taken away, then what the hell was the point of the merger?
    Quote:

    A company with similar costs to Sirius or XM now that has double the subscribers.

    But that company would then have to replace 6-8 Million radios to keep those subscribers, or hope the subscribers would be willing to buy new radios to have service. by VDCHawk
    
37. Ok, here's the Sunday ad I posted about above. Sorry about the bottom 3rd section, I scanned it a little crooked.
    
    
    
    by SIRIusStockFan
    
38. Quote:

    Originally Posted by packie juppet Yeah?...well, but...what about this....? http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/1725/1/

    I was just referring to Sirius. That looks like XM is trying to recoup their losses for getting beaten 3 to 1 in Canada... by TheScionicMan
    
39. Quote:

    Originally Posted by packie juppet Yeah?...well, but...what about this....? http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/1725/1/

    Ya but XM Canada and Sirius Canada are completely different companies with different ownership then the US versions. by swales
    
40. If you really believe that there will be no receiver obsolescence and prices will never increase for current customers then I'm sure you also believe in the tooth fairy. by w0kie
    
41. http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/da...4jy3060407.gif by mtsz52784
    
42. Quote:

    Originally Posted by srm59 Maybe I'm reading into this a little too much. but, I have to think that these press releases were worded very carefully and I find the difference in wording between Sirius and XM very interesting. For example, Sirius: "We guarantee that existing radios will not become obsolete in a post-merger world, and you'll be able to pick up a mix of programming from both services." Quoted from Sirius Merger FAQ's Vs XM: "As long as you are an XM subscriber, your XM radio will continue to receive XM's great programming. And following the merger, we expect that these existing radios will be able to receive a mix of programming from both services to bring you even more choices." Quoted from XM Promise My emphasis on both quotes As a Technical Writer, these two comments speak volumes. First, it shows which company is the surviving company, Sirius because they come right out and Guarantee that their radios will work post-merger. While XM only says, that they "expect" their radios to continue to work. Could also mean that the Sirius technology will be the ultimate victor (at least for the radio portion)?

    
    I tottaly agree with srm59 on this one. I thought the same thing while reading both companies statments. The "guarantee" made by Sirius looks attractive at first, but what did they guarantee to the customer if they fail to meet it? I didn't see anything. I was looking in their statement for a ...
    
    "if not, Sirius will replace your exisiting model with an similar equivelent model"
    
    "if not, Sirius will replace your current high $$$ model with the cheapest working model that has limited functions."
    
    "if not, Sirius will give you a cookie. Too bad, soo sad."
    
    I think both companies are just trying to hedge the damage they might be seeing in their sales now. Who wants to get into a program where all the equipment COULD change? What is the guarantee to us if Sirius falls short? What can XM listeners really expect? by spidey254